With their victories, Otto Virtanen and Emil Ruusuvuori secured Finland’s entry to the Davis Cup final tournament. The two openly praise the Finnish tennis team’s coaching team, which includes former top players.
Otto Virtanen and Emil Ruusuvuori pulled off a wild stunt as the pair won their match against the US players in the Davis Cup. After Ruusuvuori’s deciding ball, the Finnish team’s raucous celebrations began, as Finland advanced to the final tournament of the world’s top eight countries.
– Quite a trick. Great experiences this year, when first Argentina fell and now this. Going to the top list in his own achievements, Ruusuvuori gave a good mood after his match.
Ruusuvuori took a decisive victory over the 13th in the world ranking About Tommy Paul in chapters 7–6, 6–4. Virtanen defeated the 39th in the ATP ranking Mackenzie McDonald in chapters 7–6, 1–6, 7–6. A strong Virtanen won all three of his matches during the race week.
– Really great feeling. The week went exactly as I had dreamed. It wasn’t a bad feeling this week, Virtanen, on the other hand, enthuses to .
After two wins by the Finns, there was no stake in the doubles match between Finland and the United States. In the end, Harri Heliövaara and Patrick Kaukovalta won in doubles By Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajic too 6–7, 7–6, 7–6.
The team’s joy erupted after Ruusuvuori’s victory. The captain of the team, usually Tyyne’s cool Jarkko Nieminen too burst into joyful shouts.
Ruusuvuori and Virtanen praise the team and the coaching freely. The strong team spirit of the Finnish team was visible throughout the competition week in Split.
– With this gang, it feels like anyone can fall. We have a lot of fun together. I wish we could be together for a couple of extra days, Ruusuvuori praises.
Nieminen shines as a captain
Ruusuvuori praises Niemis as the team’s captain. According to Finland’s current number one player, Nieminen’s years of experience on the professional tour can be seen in the ex-player’s current role. Niemis has the right words for every situation and knows what players can try in different situations.
– It’s incredibly great that we have such a leader, Ruusuvuori says.
Nieminen is currently part of Virtanen’s coaching team, so the two collaborate closely even outside the Davis Cup. According to Virtanen, Nieminen has brought him ways, especially for playing the decisive moments of matches. Virtanen won both breakaway games against McDonald and withstood the pressure situations.
– It was a safe feeling when Jarkko was on the side of the field. I was able to be completely open and I know that Jarkko gives feedback just like me. He has a big role and we have a good connection, Virtanen opens up about the chemistry between the two.
He says that Nieminen has brought certainty about what to do after the points. Composure is maintained even if the opponent has the match ball.
– The biggest pieces that have been missing from my own puzzle have come from there, Virtanen continues to thank Nieminen.
The coaching team’s role-playing works
Virtanen calls the former top player in the world a reliable captain on the bench. He also praises those who are part of the coaching team as reliable From Henri Konti. The former doubles champion also receives praise from Ruusuvuori.
– It’s really great that Kontinen is with us these weeks. His tennis eye and brain are the best I’ve seen in the world, Ruusuvuori says.
According to Virtanen, the coaching duo have their own strong areas. Kontinen’s role in the team’s success was big. The foursome players in particular get a lot of tips from the experienced Kontinte. However, solo players are not left out.
– “Henkka” trusts us and in important places he is able to give the most important tips and nothing extra. He gives that last rivet. Henkka played a big role on the bench today as well, Virtanen repeated his winning match that lasted more than two and a half hours.
The team competition catapulted the 22-year-old player to glory. In the week of the split, Virtanen beat players ranked much higher than him.
– Certainly the best tennis of my career was shown in part. Even in bad moments, I was able to find ways to beat opponents of this level, Virtanen estimates.
At the end of November, Finland will play in the final tournament of the eight best teams of the Davis Cup. Virtanen says that the team members have had a good connection with each other since the first day. The goals for the final tournament in Malaga are tough.
– We will go there with the same attitude as we came here. We’re going to win, Virtanen downloads.
– We are going to beat every team, Ruusuvuori says unequivocally.